Brace yourself - Part II

So now you have decided that you or your child would like to undergo treatment to correct the teeth alignment. Your head must be bursting with questions so let me try to answer a few as simply as possible. 

WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?

The process of straightening teeth with the help of an appliance ( wires etc) is called Orthodontics. 

WHO REQUIRES ORTHODONTICS?

Any child or adult with teeth that are:

1. Crooked
2. Protruding
3. Irregular
4. With gaps in between
5. In the wrong bite

WHAT DOES THE TREATMENT INVOLVE?

It involves putting a wire/brackets on your teeth and regular visits ( once a month mostly) for tightening/changing the wire. After the initial few longish sittings the rest  take only 10-15 minutes.

HOW LONG WILL MY TREATMENT TAKE?

Treatment time depends on 

1. Severity of Problem
2. Age of patient
3. Regularity of visits
4. Type of bone/pace of movement of teeth
5. The inclusion of chin caps/headgear or any myofunctional appliance treatment prior to braces
6. Teeth stuck deep in the jaw.

Therefore treatment time can vary between 1-3 years. On an average it takes about 16-18 MONTHS (1-1.5 years)

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

For the most part there is no pain or discomfort. However for a couple of days after the wire is tightened - you may experience mild to moderate discomfort easily borne or corrected with a mild painkiller. 

WHY DO SOME PATIENTS HAVE TO EXTRACT TEETH AND SOME NOT?

Teeth removal is needed in patients where space is required to move the teeth and none is available. In certain cases this is avoided by expanding the jaws but many times this is not possible. The space created by the removal of teeth is closed during treatment by the movement of other teeth into the space. THIS IS NOT A PAINFUL PROCESS. Healing in children in particular is extremely fast compared to adults after tooth removal. Most children don't even need painkillers beyond a day or two. 

IS BRACES THE ONLY SOLUTION FOR ALL CASES?

Sometimes only a single tooth may be the problem and you can choose to forgo orthodontics and consider esthetic dentistry/smile designing with ceramics ( veneers etc).Also certain jaw malformations can only be treated by surgery. However your dentist will inform you if you fall into these categories.

ARE THERE DIFFERENT TYPES OF BRACES?

Yes. The very basic kind are metal and ceramic braces. The metal ones are the typical and most common type seen. The ceramic braces are tooth colored. Hence it is less obvious that you are undergoing treatment. Another kind is Lingual braces - The brackets are applied on the teeth from the tongue side - hence cannot be seen at all when you smile. The last kind is the one which is gaining popularity - INVISALIGN or CLEARALIGNER. Your treatment time and expenses will differ from the type of treatment you opt for.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN DURING FIXED BRACES TREATMENT

1. Regular and proper brushing of teeth TWICE DAILY is a MUST to avoid cavities and gum disease.
2. Very sticky foods like chikki/Eclairs etc are to be avoided.
3. Foods like corn on the cob ( Bhutta), popcorn, hard nuts/fruits, paani puri, non veg on the bone etc are to be avoided. 
4. Regular checkups and scaling if required are a must.

PATIENCE PATIENCE PATIENCE 

The doctor would like for your treatment to be completed as soon as possible. However there is no way to hasten treatment beyond a certain point. The entire point of the treatment is to give you your best possible smile. The whole treatment goal is to make YOU look beautiful at the same time establishing a stable and comfortable bite. Have the patience to get through it.

 DO NOT BEGIN TREATMENT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THE PATIENCE TO SEE IT TO COMPLETION.

For more information call on 9011013232 and fix an appointment. 

Brace Yourself - Part I

Right around the age of 8-9 years - the parents of the child start to worry about the alignment of the teeth. 

Too Big?

Too Out?

Too many spaces?

Too much space???

Too toothy?

They ask themselves. Then ask their relatives. Then they ask the children themselves.

At that age - most children are blissfully unaware of how they look ( ahhh now if only we could retain that self confidence all our lives) 

So finally when their children show no interest or self consciousness - and the relatives reassure the parents that the kid is super cute - the parents abandon the entire idea of braces till Boom!! Fast forward a few years...The child is now 16 and suddenly feels he/she has ugly teeth and a super ugly smile ( This may not be the truth but that is what the child feels)

That is when the parents finally decide to see a dentist. 

Now 16 is not late to align your teeth and age certainly is no hindrance nowadays - however the schedule of most kids these days are busier than most Heads of State and Cardiologists. 

6 am - Tuition

8 am - breakfast

9 - 4 - School

5 pm - Basketball class

6 pm - Music class

7 pm - Tuition

9 pm - Collapse into bed

Sound familiar? 

This schedule peaks right around the time the child passes 10th and does not stop then till they are safely ensconced in some medical or engineering college which is usually out of town. 

Therefore it becomes all the more imperative that any treatment begins much earlier. 

Most Ortho cases last 14 months to 24 months. Hence the earlier the child is brought in ( all factors being favorable) the faster treatment can begin and finish. 

It is never too early to show your child to a dentist. Sometimes some corrective treatment is possible at a very early age thus reducing time for final treatment. Jaw growth etc are then able to be manipulated in case needed. 

However if you do fall in the category of the late realizers - never fear. Like we said - braces are possible at any age. You just need to find the time for the treatment. 

Visit your dentist Today. 

Consult. Discuss. And then Finally come to a decision if treatment is needed and when would be the best time to start.

Work towards building your child's confidence today. 

To be Continued…….

For more information check Arya's Dental Clinic or call 9011013232.